SEWA Bharat Internship Program 2023 | Applications Open Now
Who is a Self Employed Woman?
Over 90% of workers and producers in India are in the informal economy with no regular salaried employment, no protection from hazardous working conditions, no social security or social safety nets, and are particularly vulnerable to external fluctuations within the economy and the state.
The informal economy is not a separate part of the economy but is closely tied with the formal economy, both for the supply of labour as well as for goods and services. As a result, informal workers are connected to both local and global economies. Women in the informal economy face even more risk than men due to lower wages, more strenuous work, and familial and societal responsibilities.
Founded by Elaben Bhatt in Gujarat in 1972, today nearly 2 million self-employed women across multiple industries have coalesced to form the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) which works to dismantle the economic and societal barriers that have placed women on the periphery of society. By coming together, they have transformed not only their own lives but the lives of millions more by inducing policy changes, not only at the grassroots but also at State and National levels.
What is SEWA Bharat?
SEWA Bharat is an all-India federation of SEWA Institutions that extends direct support to institutions serving SEWA affiliated women workers in over 8 states of India. SEWA Bharat emerged out of the need to address the SEWA movement’s challenges with geographical expansion and coordination. Based in Delhi, SEWA Bharat directly supports member institutions in 8 states of India including Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Bihar while connecting members with SEWA institutions in Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala for knowledge exchange, skill-building, and resource sharing.
About Internship:
As an intern, you will have the opportunity to take up a valued role within SEWA Bharat, and contribute to one of the largest movements for women in the informal economy. The structure of the internship is such that it allows the individual to work flexibly.
Eligibility:
SEWA Bharat accepts internship applications from anyone over the age of 18 who would like to spend a minimum of 1 month working in our New Delhi office or at any of our locations across 8 states. However, due to the current challenges in work due to COVID-19, a few select remote internships are also available. Previous experience in relevant fields is an add-on.
Duration:
The minimum duration of an internship is at least four weeks. This is a full-time internship. During the internship, the intern is expected to be available throughout the office hours i.e, Monday to Saturday 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.
Location:
The intern will be working out of our offices located in various locations across 8 states. During the COVID period, since the members work from office in 50 percent capacity, 50 percent of the internship period would be working from the office.
Stipend:
The interns get paid around about Rs. 7500/- onwards depending on their qualifications, skills, responsibilities taken up during the internship, and the programme they are working with. The stipend of the internship is agreed upon before starting work.
Certification: The intern would get a Letter of Experience acknowledging the work done during the internship.